'Heartwarming Holidays' drive was a huge success

The Rotary Club of Coconut Grove held a coat drive this season to collect and provide warm outerwear to local elementary school children, teenagers and adults in need. 

The community responded with enthusiasm to the second year of this "Heartwarming Holidays" drive.

Drop off boxes were located around the Grove and Ransom Everglades High School and Middle School showed their community spirit by having a donation contest with their sports teams.
  
The Rotary Club was able to donate more than 500 new or “like new” sweaters,  jackets, and hoodies to pre-K through 5th grade students at Tucker and Carver Elementary schools,  and at an area homeless project for teenagers, and a local homeless shelter. There was enough surplus again this year to send jackets to the Florida Panhandle for victims of Hurricane Michael. Jeff Catanach, the owner of the UPS Store, should be thanked for packing and paying the shipping costs to the Panhandle Rotary Club for distribution.

“Our community’s response was outstanding, and all of those who received the clothing were pleasantly surprised and very pleased,” said Rotarian Kathy Kesler. “We achieved our goal of insuring that all of those in need will stay warm and dry this winter.”